Puitea set to sign for Odisha FC

Puitea switched clubs in January this year and is doing the same again.

With Mohun Bagan signing the likes of Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad, it was put to question what will happen to Puitea? The defensive midfielder signed for Mohun Bagan in January this year (as was revealed by Khel Now) and now after seven months, it seems the former Kerala Blasters midfielder will have to leave the club.

"Puitea is not staying at Mohun Bagan and a main reason is the game-time. He is set to sign for Odisha FC. It will be a three-year deal which includes an undisclosed transfer fee," a source close to the development informed Khel Now this morning.

The 25-year-old midfielder was a revelation in the 2021-22 Indian Super League season. He started the 2022-23 season in similar fashion until Mohun Bagan grabbed hold of his services. A good amount of transfer fee was also spent to snatch Puitea from Kerala Blasters, where he was becoming a fan-favourite.

Odisha FC's plans

Odisha FC, after signing Sergio Lobera as their head coach, are doing some massive work in the market. They had previously extended the contracts of Carlos Delgado and Diego Mauricio and now they have brought in top-notch proven ISL champions to the contingent - Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh and Roy Krishna.

Odisha FC were in need of midfielders in their squad since Princeton Rebello is the only Indian medio right now. With the addition of Puitea, Lobera will be able to showcase what he wants his team to. Moreover, after winning the Hero Super Cup, the team is now charged up to win the Indian Super League as well.

Mohun Bagan's midfield situation

Starting from Hugo Boumous, till Anirudh Thapa, Mohun Bagan perhaps have the best midfield in India. Puitea wouldn't have stood a chance in such a star-studded setup. Moreover, just 25, the midfielder has his entire career in front of him and his decision to leave Mohun Bagan is perhaps the finest he would have taken.